On June 4, 2020 Veteran filmmaker-screenwriter Basu Chatterjee passed away over the age of 90 in his Santacruz residence, Mumbai due to age-related health issues. He worked in Hindi & Bengali cinema and was a dialogue writer and produced a few films. He received the National Film Award for Best Film on Family Welfare in 1992 for his film Durga. He was born on January 10, 1930, in Ajmer, British India.
Gist about Basu Chatterjee:
He began his career as a cartoonist and illustrator for a Mumbai tabloid. Almost two decades later, he switched to filmmaking and worked as assistant Basu Bhattacharya during the filming of Teesri Kasam(1966 film), which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film.
Debut as a director-He made his debut as a director three years later with ‘Sara Akash’ movie in 1969
Best known works– Choti Si Baat, Rajnigandha, Baaton Baaton Mein, Ek Ruka Hua Faisla(Indian adaptation of Twelve Angry Men), Chameli Ki Shaad, Us Paar, Chitchor, Piya Ka Ghar and Khatta Meetha.
Known For-He was known for his middle-of-the-road cinema & earned the tag of ‘balcony class director’ as his film was associated with middle class and largely urban settings.
TV shows– Directed some popular TV shows in the 80s & 90s namely: Rajani, Darpan & Kakaji Kahin among others. He presided over 2 seasons of Doordarshan’s Byomkesh Bakshi, directing 34 episodes.
Awards– Received IIFA(International Indian Film Academy) Lifetime achievement awards(2007) & also received Filmfare for best screenplay, best director & critics award for best movie.
